Building your brand and portraying your products and services professionally can be overwhelming tasks. Our goal is to make it as streamlined as possible! Here we have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions. If you don't find your question answered below, don't hesitate to contact us HERE.

General

What types of payment do you accept?

We will invoice your company via email and accept all major credit cards. If you like we can also arrange PayPal. No checks.

When do I need to pay?

We require a 50% down payment upon signing and the remainder due the day before launch date or at time of delivery for graphics/images. However, if at the time we have the option of a payment plan, upon signing you will only be required to pay the payment plan setup fee in addition to your first month’s payment.

What if I need to re-schedule or cancel my project or shoot date?

For website and graphic design: Cancellations that occur 1 week or less prior to design date will be subject to a $50 cancellation fee. If you are rescheduling, your design date will be subject to the next availabe date on our calendar.

For photo shoots: If rescheduling is needed, please contact us as soon as possible. Cancellations that occur within 48 hours of the shoot will be subject to a $50 cancellation fee.

Do you have a satisfaction guarantee, refund or reshoot policy?

For website and graphic design we consult with you prior to all design elements being created so that we can avoid complete redesign or dissatisfaction. We provide revisions of each project so that we can achieve your goal and vision.

For commercial photography we try to work closely with you to determine your vision and creative direction to avoid needing to reshoot or your dissatisfaction. We work hard to fulfill our promise to provide moving images that tell your story and portray your products at their best. If we have made a mistake on our end we will rectify that gladly with a reshoot at no charge. However, if you decide after receiving your images that you are looking for a different composition or vision we will need to charge to reshoot. This would be at a reduced rate.

In all cases, if for some reason we cannot provide you with what you need after our due diligence in providing our services, we would refund your money at 75% due to time and costs during production.

Website Design

How long does it take to build my website?

We have what we call 'Design Dates'. That means that you get a scheduled 2 week design period that we put you down for on our calendar. How far out that is all depends on how booked we are. When we book your date we will begin prep work and planning for the site's content and design. You will have the time between booking and your design date to prepare, but once your design date comes it is a 2 week design process from start to finish.

Do you limit the number of revisions on my site design?

NO. We believe in making sure you are head-over-heels in love with your website! We do however have a policy that there are no revisions allowed past the Launch Date of your website. Up until then, you are welcome to let us know what revisions or tweaks you would like. But we are sure that after our thorough collaborative process, you won't have many to worry about!

What is the difference between a web designer and a web developer?

There are definite differences between web designers and web developers. They are most certainly the two equally vital sides to the same coin. One is a creative expert and one is a technical expert. Web designers focus heavily on the aesthetics, content, and user experience of a website, while web developers focus on programming, function, and coding. That is the simplest explanation.

So who should you choose to build your website? That depends on your end goal. But probably BOTH. If you are looking to have a new web presence designed to emotionally connect with your audience, or to redesign your current branding, then a designer would be right for that. If you are needing a native application built, complicated eCommerce solutions, a database, or client login integrations you will need a web developer. This of course will vary between projects, but this gives you an idea of how to differentiate the roles.

Are you developers or designers?

We are designers and artists. We do not provide extended HTML or coding services. However, we have extensive experience with Squarespace and can sync your site with many third party integrations, add several custom CSS code options through the CSS code injection, embed almost any code or link into your site pages, as well as incorporate a wide range of features and functions Squarespace provides through their robust platform. Additionally, we are able to incorporate custom graphic designs directly into your site design.

What platforms do you build your websites on?

We are SquareSpace Designers. We only design on Squarespace. This platform provides a gorgeous user experience, a robust yet simple to use CMS for our clients, as well as being a stable and trustworthy platform. While developers can provide more complicated web solutions for their particular market, we can be more efficient with simple, beautifully designed web solutions for you, without compromising quality. The cost savings is passed on to you and we are able to deliver your website with faster turnaround, while focused on your content and design. We find that while our clients might be able to build their own website on a DIY platform, they may not have the time, budget for a large build, or might be in need of our professional photography, design expertise. We can also incorporate graphic design into our web design. There are a variety of ways for us to serve you in the design of your website and you can rest assured in knowing that we will discuss all of the options available to you, including the website features needed to achieve your goals.

Do you use templates to design websites or are they custom?

Squarespace sites begin with a basic template, meaning a framework for function and style editing. However, Squarespace provide as close to unlimited flexibilty that you will get with a template driven platform. We are able to create and design stunning custom work through the style editor and tools provided, as well as incorporate our custom CSS code to customize your site. So you won't find any cookie-cutter designs here! We are committed to your brand and style.
*Note:For ethical and legal reasons, we are unable and unwilling to copy the exact design and/or exact layout of another site even if it's in a different industry.

Do I own my website?

YES! The website we design for you is YOURS! We design on a platform that you have purchased a membership on and are ready for us to jump in and design for you. After the design is complete, we provide you with training and then you simply take over. This also allows you to update your content at your convenience.

Are there any fees that are NOT included in your pricing?

YES. Squarespace hosting fees and domain registrar fees will be soley the client's responsibility to maintain. Hosting fees vary depending on the type of website plan needed. We will help you determine the best fit for your business. Additionally, If you are wanting paid stock images, you will need to pay for those separate from your design fees. (I do have access to a large number of free stock images.)

What services are included (and not included) in your website design packages?

You will find everything that IS included here on our website design services page. Copywriting, however, is not included. You will need to write your own content, or hire a copywriter, I only do final grammer, spelling, and check for flow and function. I can help with ideas when it comes to message and branding through our design meetings. I have also written blog posts that focus on contect writing here that may help.

Do you do SEO? Will I get leads or traffic to my website?

We provide basic SEO services upon initial setup of your website. Squarespace already has built in powerful SEO features you will never need to touch. There are also specific sections in the backend of your site that are just for your SEO descriptions on search engines. Leads and traffic all depends on how you use your site following the design project. This can include blogging, marketing, updated content, keyword research, etc.

However, we do NOT provide extensive SEO or Keywording research for your website project. You will need to provide that keyword rich copy to us to be incorporated appropriately per your request. We can provide basic knowledge of where to incorporate the verbage you will use for your SEO and keywording in the appropriate section of Squarespace.

Photography

What information do you need to provide an estimate for my commercial photography project?

There are various factors that need to be considered before pricing a commercial project. We would love to talk to you about yours! Here are a few details that we will need to accurately estimate costs.

What is the intended use of the images? (website, magazines, billboard, packaging, brochures, etc.)

Are there any extra costs for your project? (stylists, catering, models, props, etc.)

How would you like your product, staff, interiors, or event shot?

What is your turnaround time on images?

FOR PRODUCT AND COMMERCIAL: This can vary depending on the project, however, for general in-studio product images we can complete orders of less than 50 images in about two weeks, depending on workload. On-Location projects, store fronts, lifestyle, ad campaigns, and social media packages take more time depending on shoot scheduling, composite editing, and several other factors. If shorter turnaround time is needed, we offer 5 day rush processing (white background projects only) for an additional 25%.

FOR RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE: Typically you will receive your images in 72 hours via dropbox or google drive link, however, for larger homes or specialized editing there may be an additional day or two before completion.

How should I deliver my products to you? Do you ship them back to me?

This is a detail that some of our clients do not consider in planning their project, but is an important one in ensuring you receive high quality images of your product. Make sure to pack your products well. When choosing the items to photograph, be sure to select the cleanest labels and items free of defects. We can post process most imperfections, however, starting with the best possible product is always more efficient. Choose 2-3 of each product to send to us. If you want us to photograph the packaging, please ship “flat” versions of the packaging without the product in it. We absolutely return ship your items to you. Please include a return shipping label in your shipment to us. We will gladly pack it all back up nice and secure! Please note: Some clients prefer for us not to return their products due to shipping costs. If you do not wish to have your products returned, please understand we will not hold them.

What is the resolution and file format for the image files I will receive?

FOR PRODUCT AND COMMERCIAL: All of our images are a standard high resolution (at least 300dpi) and are available in PDF, JPEG, PNG, or TIFF formats. We do make adjustments for the intended use of the images including billboards, website, small packaging use, and many other mediums.

FOR RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE: You will receive images suitable for online use in JPEG or PNG format, including for use on MLS listings, and a second version optimized for printing purposes.

How will I receive my files from you?

FOR PRODUCT AND COMMERCIAL: Typically we will either ship or deliver to you a flash drive with all of your files in requested formats. This will avoid long download times and possible degradation of files during download.

FOR RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE: Typically we will deliver your MLS ready images via dropbox or Google drive. If you require larger images for printing purposes we can provide those via download as well.

As the Real Estate Agent, do I need to be at the property shoot?

Yes, if you are the purchaser of the images, we require that you be there for liability and direction purposes. It is our policy that we will not enter a property without an agent present. Additionally, we recommend that you take a final look at the staging of the home and make any changes before the photo shoot.

What are your commercial licensing terms? Who owns the images?

All of the images we capture are our exclusive property, as stated by “Copyright Law.” Images we deliver to you are under the license discussed for your particular usage. If you need to discuss a total buy out of the images, that is an option. For most clients, they don’t find this necessary, as it is costly, however it is available.

What are your licensing terms for residential listings?

For each property listing you will receive a limited use license for the images. This license will allow the use of the images in any marketing, print or online, to promote the property. This license is only valid during the time the listing is active. Once you do not have an active listing, for any reason, you will no longer have a valid usage license for those images. Additionally, the images are for use by only the purchaser and cannot be shared with any other individual or entity, including contractors, stagers, or the homeowner. Salted Orange retains ownership of the images throughout.

Will my images be licensed for use on social media?

In today’s marketing world, social media is vital. Yes, your images will include a license for use on social media.

What if I lose my product or other commercial image files?

We keep backup files for 3 months. If you need any replacement files during that period we will ship a new flash drive to you with all of your files.